Teach an alternative to chasing and announcing
AKC notes that Shelties can be vocal and may chase moving things, including cars. Do not interpret quick learning as automatic self-control around traffic or an exciting game. Use a leash outside secure areas, and practice attending to you at a distance where the dog can still respond comfortably. At home, identify whether barking starts with arrivals, a view through a window or excitement during play. Reward an achievable alternative, such as moving with you away from the window, instead of repeatedly rehearsing the same trigger. If you want to try agility, start with age-appropriate foundation skills and qualified instruction rather than setting jumps in the yard immediately. Meet the individual dog in ordinary settings too: a competition highlight does not show what its daily household routine requires.[1]
Ask which elective health tests were performed
The association’s August 2017 statement recommends hip and eye assessment plus at least two tests from an elective list that includes DMS, vWD, MDR1, thyroid, CEA and elbow evaluation. Because the list permits choices, a general statement that requirements were completed does not tell you whether MDR1 or any other particular elective was included. Ask for the named reports, dates, results and matching dog identity. Confirm current guidance with the association or OFA, as the document is dated and uses older eye-registry terminology. Discuss the parents’ and close relatives’ history as well as certificates. The purpose is to understand what is known about this dog and family, not to turn a collection of test names into a guarantee against future illness.[2]
Make MDR1 information available wherever the dog receives care
Washington State University identifies Shelties among breeds in which the MDR1 mutation has been found. The mutation can affect responses to certain medications; the breed name alone cannot establish an individual’s status. Ask your veterinarian about testing and keep the result in the medical record, with a copy available for emergency care or a new clinic. Before starting an over-the-counter medicine or changing a prescribed product, give the veterinarian the exact product name and the dog’s result if known. Do not turn a breed warning into a blanket refusal of medication or stop prescribed prevention on your own. If the result is not available during an urgent visit, say that its status is unknown rather than guessing from a parent’s appearance or a previous uneventful treatment.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Does being highly trainable mean a Sheltie is safe near moving traffic?
No. AKC cautions that Shelties may chase moving things, including cars. Keep physical safety measures in place while teaching attention and recall.
Source [1]Does completion of the club’s older screening list prove MDR1 was tested?
Not necessarily. The August 2017 statement lists MDR1 among elective choices. Request the actual report and confirm current recommendations rather than inferring a specific result from a general label.
Source [2]Should I stop my Sheltie’s medication because of MDR1 risk?
Do not change prescribed treatment on breed information alone. Share the individual test result, or explain that it is unknown, and ask the veterinarian about the exact medicine and appropriate plan.
Source [3]FAQ sources
Sources & methodology
Breed-level measurements and comparison scores provide context. They do not predict an individual dog's health, behaviour or suitability. Open the original publisher pages below to verify the facts and compare any later updates.
- American Kennel Club — Shetland Sheepdog care ↗Reference 1 · reviewed 2026-09-27
- American Shetland Sheepdog Association — August 2017 health statement ↗Reference 2 · reviewed 2026-09-27
- Washington State University — Breeds affected by MDR1 mutation ↗Reference 3 · reviewed 2026-09-27
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